Welcome to the October 2023 issue of Engineering Sustainability. As those of us in the northern hemisphere embrace fall, our counterparts in the southern hemisphere are gearing up for spring and summer. While the change of seasons brings welcome relief in the north, it can be a concern in the south as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently confirmed that June, July and August marked the hottest summer on record, underscoring human activity’s real and accelerating impact on our planet.
As our readers are aware, the consequences of our actions are becoming increasingly apparent. However, persuading our colleagues, clients, and governments to act is a formidable challenge. As part of my role, I travel worldwide, engaging with colleagues inside and outside my organisation to explore how the geotechnical engineering industry can positively impact sustainability, both for the planet and people. My goal is not to convince people that a problem exists, as most are already aware, but to inspire action and enlist them as part of the solution.
That is why I am pleased to open this issue with a paper titled ‘Sustainability in geotechnical engineering: what does it mean and why does that matter?’ by von der Tann et al. (2023). In this paper, the authors conducted a comprehensive survey and analysis to uncover the factors that could motivate our colleagues to adopt a sustainability-oriented approach in their work. Importantly, this survey targeted practising engineers, making the findings particularly relevant for implementing sustainable solutions in the industry.
The paper’s findings reveal three distinct categories of perspectives among the interviewees. The first category consists of individuals who prioritise achieving a balance between human activities and the natural environment. The second category comprises those who aim to minimise the environmental impacts of their projects. Lastly, the third category encompasses those seeking to reduce resource consumption on their projects.
These insights can serve as a valuable foundation for our efforts to encourage others to pursue the most sustainable solutions possible. Additionally, I’d like to highlight that the three other papers featured in this issue align with these categories, making them excellent resources for colleagues who identify with any of these three perspectives and want to take action but are unsure where to start.
The next paper in this issue, titled ‘Optimal electric bus scheduling by considering photovoltaic charging infrastructure’ by Liu et al. (2023), is particularly relevant for engineers who align with the first category identified by von der Tann et al. (2023), which is those who want to focus on the balance between human activities and nature.
It’s easy to advocate for transitioning to battery electric buses as this can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and pollution, ultimately lessening our environmental impact. However, it’s essential to recognise that the decision’s stakeholders are the people who rely on this mode of transportation for their daily lives. As a result, reliable and uninterrupted bus service is required, and a clean power source and a robust charging strategy are critical.
This paper delves into the intricacies of optimising bus schedules when utilising photovoltaic power sources in conjunction with energy-storage systems, all while considering factors like service reliability, charging infrastructure and energy availability. This research serves as an example of how effective engineering can balance the needs of our planet and our fellow citizens.
The next paper featured in this issue is titled ‘Case study on soil-reinforced embankment slope stability with natural fibre additives’ by Kumar and Roy (2023). This paper addresses the concerns of engineers who belong to the second category outlined by von der Tann et al. (2023), which is those who are focused on minimising the impacts of specific projects.
In this series of case studies, the authors investigate how to mitigate failing embankments by exploring natural solutions to enhance stability. Their research progresses from laboratory and numerical analyses to real-world implementation. This work showcases that it is feasible to strengthen soil slopes with natural materials instead of depending on the standard petrochemical products that have historically been used for slope reinforcement.
The last paper in this issue, titled ‘Investigation of construction and demolition materials reinforced by geosynthetics’ by Ok et al. (2023), aligns with the third category identified by von der Tann et al. (2023) – which includes individuals who aim to minimise resource consumption.
In my role within the construction industry, I understand why our specifications often require the use of freshly mined materials. New materials offer consistent properties, and we can extract them in a way that meets our precise requirements. However, it’s essential that we transition away from using new materials when suitable recycled options are available. This paper presents research supporting the use of construction and demolition waste for unpaved roads. Although the recycled materials may have less favourable properties than freshly mined aggregate, the authors show that roads constructed with recycled aggregate performed sufficiently, emphasising that looking at performance and not just input materials can significantly broaden the potential use cases for recycled materials in construction.
In conclusion, I recognise the difficulties faced by individuals deeply committed to sustainability when their colleagues and clients don’t share the same sense of urgency. To address this challenge, the research presented in this issue underscores the significance of effective communication. Specifically, it emphasises the need to present sustainability in a manner that aligns with our colleagues’ and clients’ concerns and priorities. We can stress that everyone plays a part in sustainable development, but our efforts are most impactful when we offer solutions tailored to their individual capacities and preferences.
I want to remind you that Engineering Sustainability offers a rich repository of resources for every sustainability perspective in this issue and past editions. These resources can be invaluable to you and your colleagues as you help them embark on and continue their sustainability journey. Enjoy!
